The Secret of Rosewater High: A Naideu's Tail

The "Great" Alexander

Elie ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Mind you, it wasn't very fast. After all, he was more of a swimmer, not a runner. Elie could see the door to his Chemistry class, just a few feet away. It was at that moment that, to Elie's horror, the bell decided to ring. Luckily, the teacher seemed to be away when Elie entered the class late. 

"What are you wearing?" said a snobbish voice.

Elie turned to see the mysterious blonde boy from yesterday. He appeared to be talking to Leila and was looking at her uniform like it was the most offensive thing he had ever seen. Feeling the impulse, Elie instinctively butted in. 

"Hey. What's going on here?" he interrupted. 

Leila and the blonde boy turned to look at him. 

"I was just commenting on how outdated her clothes are," said blondie. "I mean why would one wear such hideous fashion?" he scoffed.

"In case you hadn't noticed," Elie replied. "It's kind of our school uniforms. So, it's impossible to choose whether or not we look "fashionable", as you put it.

The boy gave Elie a slight scowl.

"Aren't you the kid from yesterday?" Elie asked.

The boy looked as if he was trying to remember something before snapping his fingers.

"Ah. Yes. You're absolutely right. You're that scrawny kid who was drying off on the docks."

"The name is Elie," came the irritated reply.

Scrawny?

"Isn't that more of a girl's name?" blondie asked.

"I-I don't know, but it doesn't matter. Just tell me your name," Elie stammered.

"Oh. How rude of me. I am the GREAT ALEXANDER DU MERC! Son of the Grand Duke and Duchess Du Merc!" he announced.

"Okay then," Elie said a little weirded out.

"You don't believe me do you?" Alexander said.

"No, I do..."

"Well, that's too bad," Alexander interrupted. "Because I have the badge to prove it! BEHOLD! MY FAMILY CREST!"

Alexander blinded Elie with a shiny, golden badge engraved with a complex family crest.

"Right. That's very nice, but it would be great if you could put that away," Elie said with his hands shielding his eyes from the glare. 

"AH! You're right! We don't want anyone knowing my secret identity," Alexander said tucking away his badge. 

"So, why aren't you wearing your school uniform?" Elie inquired.

"Why, that would be because I just arrived yesterday," came the response.

"I see. That would explain why I've never seen you around before."

At that moment, the teacher came in.

"Alright, everyone. Take your seats so I can take attendance."

"That's my cue to depart," Alexander said walking to the front of the classroom.

"Class, I would like to introduce a new student," the teacher said after taking attendance.

Elie tuned out from there, until he heard the words "next to Elie."

"Wait, What?" Elie thought.

He looked up, just in time, to see the teacher pointing at the empty seat next to him and Alexander walking towards him.

"You've got to be kidding me," Elie thought.

"Why hello to you again, peasant," Alexander said as he took his new seat.

"It's Elie," the other grumbled.

Elie watched Alexander organize his books into a neat stack. Why did he suddenly have the feeling that this was going to be a long class period.